MPORTANT: Changes to palliative care prescribing of subcutaneous opioids from 1st May 2012 Following a review of national prescribing the North of England Cancer Network have taken a decision that morphine will be the standard drug for use in subcutaneous syringe pumps. The decision was taken to fall in line with all other areas in England. This means that from 1st May 2012 all new syringe pump prescribing should be for morphine rather than diamorphine. From 1st May 2012 clinicians should not be using diamorphine for palliative care except in high dose regimes. Further information on the switch has been sent out to all GPs and practices in Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and this can also be accessed through the Medicines Management Team website under Medication Safety.

Click on the link HERE to access more informaton from the North of England Cancer Network website.